Save money moving doesn’t have to feel impossible, even when facing costs that can easily reach $1,000 to $2,000 for a typical move. The good news? With the right strategies, you can cut your moving expenses significantly without sacrificing quality or safety.
Quick Ways to Save Money Moving:
- Plan early – Avoid last-minute premium rates and secure better deals
- Declutter first – Less stuff means smaller trucks and lower labor costs
- Find free supplies – Skip expensive boxes with free alternatives from stores and online
- Choose strategic timing – Move mid-month and mid-week to save up to $30 per hour
- Consider hybrid moving – Rent your own truck but hire professional labor for 30% savings
- Compare all options – Get quotes for DIY, labor-only, and full-service approaches
Moving is stressful enough without spiraling costs. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, every dollar saved brings meaningful relief to your budget.
The moving industry follows simple supply and demand—peak times like summer weekends cost more, while off-season weekdays offer the best deals. Professional movers can charge nearly $200 per hour during busy periods, but smart timing can dramatically reduce these rates.
I’m Thomas Mumford, co-founder of Undergrads, where we’ve helped thousands of people save money moving through our innovative labor-only approach that connects customers with reliable college students for their moving needs. I’ve seen how the right moving strategy can save families hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Phase 1: Plan, Purge, and Prepare for Savings
Before you pack a single box, the “Plan, Purge, Prepare” phase is where your journey to save money moving begins. These foundational steps will set you up for serious savings.
How to Save Money Moving Before You Even Pack a Box
The golden rule for moving on a budget is to plan early! Last-minute moves almost always come with higher costs. Planning a few months ahead gives you time to research different options, compare prices, and snag better deals.
Create a detailed moving budget. List every potential expense, including truck rental fees, professional moving services, packing supplies, fuel costs, and even the “pizza and beer” fund for friends who help. Once your budget is set, track your spending closely. This helps you stay accountable and avoid sneaky, last-minute costs that can derail your savings goals. A well-thought-out budget makes a move much more manageable. For even more help with the financial side of things, check out our guide on Budgeting Your Move: A Labor-Only Approach to Keep Costs Down.
Declutter to Drastically Reduce Moving Weight and Cost
This is perhaps the most impactful step to save money moving. The logic is simple: less stuff equals less cost. The volume and weight of your belongings directly affect the price, whether you’re renting a truck or hiring movers. A smaller load can mean a smaller truck, fewer boxes, and less labor time.
Parting with belongings is tough, but view it as an opportunity for a fresh start. Go through every room and closet, asking yourself, “Have I used this in the last year? Do I truly need it?” If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go.
So, what do you do with all that unwanted stuff?
- Sell unwanted items: Turn your clutter into cash! Online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and eBay are fantastic for selling furniture, electronics, and other valuable items. This cash can then directly help offset your moving expenses.
- Have a garage sale: This is a classic way to clear out a lot of items quickly. For some great tips on making your sale a success, take a look at this guide on Having a garage sale.
- Donate items: For items in good condition, consider donating them to local charities. This helps others and can offer a tax deduction. Be sure to get a receipt and check a Donation value guide to estimate the value.
- Donate food: Don’t move perishable items or non-perishable food you won’t use. Many food banks welcome donations. You can even Donate your canned items to Move for Hunger to support a great cause.
Our customers save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars just by committing to a serious decluttering effort. It’s amazing how much we accumulate in just a few years!
Phase 2: Sourcing Supplies and Smart Packing
After decluttering, it’s time to gather packing supplies. This phase is another fantastic opportunity to save money moving by being resourceful.
Find Free or Low-Cost Packing Supplies
The average moving budget includes around $100 for supplies, but you can get that cost near zero. Instead of buying new boxes, find free ones. The best sources are local businesses like grocery stores, liquor stores (their boxes are especially strong), and big-box retailers. They receive daily shipments and are often happy to give away empty boxes. Call ahead to ask about the best time for pickup.
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are also great resources, as people who just moved often give away their boxes. Also check neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, ask friends and family, or visit local recycling centers.
For padding, skip expensive bubble wrap and use what you already have. Towels, blankets, and clothing are perfect for wrapping delicate items. Old newspapers also work, but be mindful of ink transfer. Use socks and pillowcases to fill gaps in boxes. This resourcefulness helps you save money moving by avoiding supply costs.
Pack Like a Pro to Save Time and Money
Professional packing is convenient but costly. Packing yourself is a huge money-saver and gives you control over how your belongings are handled. Here are our pro tips for efficient packing:
- Label everything clearly with its contents and destination room (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”). For easier identification, color-code boxes by room. Your future self will thank you.
- Prepare an essentials box for your first 24 hours. Pack items like toilet paper, hand soap, a shower curtain, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and non-perishable snacks. This prevents frantic searching and impulse buys on moving day.
- Use rolling suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks for heavy items like books. They’re designed to hold weight and are easier to transport.
- Pack valuables separately and keep them with you in your personal vehicle. This includes important documents, jewelry, and cash.
- If you have the original boxes for your flat-screen TVs or other electronics, use them. They offer the best protection. If not, wrap electronics well in blankets.
Following these strategies protects your belongings and ensures everything is ready for your movers—especially a labor-only service like Undergrads—minimizing their time on the clock and maximizing your savings.
The Ultimate Guide to Save Money Moving: DIY vs. Pro Movers
When it comes to the actual heavy lifting, you have three main paths to choose from. Each option has its own trade-offs between cost, convenience, and control. Understanding these choices is crucial for finding the smartest way to save money moving for your specific situation.
The DIY Move: Maximum Savings, Maximum Effort
Going completely DIY is often considered the cheapest route, and it can be – but only if you’re willing to pay with sweat, time, and a fair bit of risk. This approach means you’re handling everything yourself: renting the truck, doing all the packing, wrestling with your couch through doorways, and somehow fitting everything into that truck like a giant game of Tetris.
The numbers look appealing at first glance. You can rent a 16-foot truck from companies like U-Haul or Penske for around $100 to $150 per day, including insurance. Add in fuel costs (which can surprise you – these trucks are thirsty!), and you might think you’re looking at a bargain.
But here’s where reality kicks in. You’ll need to recruit friends and family to help, and while their labor might be “free,” it’s customary to budget $50 to $100 for the pizza and beer that keeps everyone happy. More importantly, moving is incredibly physically demanding work. We’ve heard countless stories of strained backs, pulled muscles, and furniture that didn’t survive the amateur handling.
The physical strain is no joke. One person shared a horror story about attempting to move with improper equipment and ending up with a $25,000 engine replacement bill. That’s definitely not the kind of savings anyone has in mind!
For a small apartment or very short distance, DIY can work. But for anything larger, the exhaustion and potential for damage can quickly erase any monetary savings you thought you’d gain.
Hiring Full-Service Movers: Convenience at a High Price
On the opposite end of the spectrum, full-service movers handle absolutely everything. They pack your dishes, wrap your furniture, load the truck, drive to your new place, and unload everything exactly where you want it. It’s the ultimate in convenience – and comes with the ultimate price tag.
Professional movers can charge up to $200 per hour during peak times, with typical rates ranging from $100 to $150 per hour for a three-person crew. When you’re looking at potentially 8-12 hours of work, those costs add up fast.
If you’re considering this route, you absolutely must compare quotes from at least three different companies. Make sure these are detailed, written estimates based on an actual inventory of your belongings. Ask about every possible fee upfront – stairs, long carries, bulky items like pianos, and shuttle services if their big truck can’t reach your door.
Most importantly, vet your moving company thoroughly. Read reviews, check their licensing, and look up any complaints with consumer protection agencies like the Office de la protection du consommateur. Those “too good to be true” low estimates often turn into nightmares involving damaged belongings or movers who suddenly demand more money.
While full-service movers eliminate all the physical work for you, they’re significantly more expensive. If you’re wondering whether that convenience justifies the cost, we’ve written an entire analysis: Is Full-Service Moving Worth the Extra Cost? A Labor-Only Perspective.
The Hybrid Approach: The Smartest Way to Save Money Moving
Here’s where we think the magic happens – and it’s exactly why we built Undergrads. The hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: professional help where you need it most, without the premium price tag of full-service companies.
Here’s how this game-changing approach works. You rent your own truck, which keeps you in control of your timeline and transportation costs. Then you hire professional labor for just the heavy lifting, loading, and unloading – the parts that break backs and friendships.
At Undergrads, we connect you with strong, reliable student movers who know how to pack a truck efficiently and handle your belongings with care. These aren’t just random college kids – they’re trained, experienced, and motivated to do excellent work.
The savings are impressive. Our customers regularly save 30% or more compared to full-service moving companies. We offer flat hourly rates with no surprise fees for stairs or long walks. You know exactly what you’re paying upfront, which is refreshing in an industry known for hidden costs.
But here’s what makes this approach even better – when you choose Undergrads, you’re not just saving money on your move. You’re also supporting education. A portion of our proceeds goes directly toward funding student scholarships, so your move helps create opportunities for the next generation.
This hybrid model is safer and less stressful than going completely DIY, but far more affordable than traditional full-service companies. You get professional expertise for the most challenging parts of your move without paying premium prices for services you can handle yourself.
Want to dive deeper into the financial benefits? Check out our detailed breakdown in The Financial Perks of Renting Your Own Moving Truck and Hiring Labor. And if you’re curious about our specific partnership with U-Haul, read The U-Haul Undergrads Combo: Maximum Savings on Your Next Move.
Strategic Scheduling and Overlooked Savings
You’ve planned, purged, and packed smart – now it’s time to think strategically about timing. Here’s something most people don’t realize: when you move can be just as important as how you move when it comes to your budget. The moving industry runs on simple supply and demand, and understanding this rhythm can open up some serious opportunities to save money moving.
Choose Your Moving Date Wisely to Cut Costs
Think of moving like booking a flight or hotel room – timing is everything! The moving world has its busy seasons, and if you can avoid them, your wallet will thank you.
Off-season moving is your secret weapon for savings. While everyone else is scrambling to move during the peak season from May through August, you can take advantage of lower demand during the quieter months of September through April. Winter and early spring moves might require a bit more weather planning, but the savings can be substantial.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting: mid-month moves can save you up to $30 per hour compared to end-of-month chaos. Why? Most leases end on the 31st, creating a massive rush during the last few days of each month. By choosing a date around the 15th, you’re swimming against the current in the best possible way.
Weekday moves are another goldmine for savings. While your friends are fighting over Saturday morning time slots and paying premium rates, you could be moving on a Tuesday for significantly less. Yes, you might need to take a day off work, but the money you save often more than makes up for it.
The timing to absolutely avoid? Holiday weekends and month-ends, especially that brutal stretch from June 25 to July 2 when rates can literally double. We’ve seen customers save hundreds of dollars just by shifting their move date by a week or two.
Don’t Forget These Last-Minute Money-Savers
As your moving day approaches, there are several clever ways to squeeze out additional savings that most people completely overlook. These little strategies might seem small, but they add up to meaningful money in your pocket.
Meal planning in the weeks before your move is brilliant for multiple reasons. Challenge yourself to use up everything in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Not only does this prevent you from moving heavy canned goods and perishables, but it also saves you from expensive takeout orders when you’re too tired to cook. Pack some simple snacks and drinks for moving day instead of defaulting to costly delivery.
Cancel subscriptions before you go – that gym membership, newspaper delivery, or local services that won’t follow you to your new home. You might find you’ve been paying for things you forgot about! Plus, many companies offer sweet new-customer deals at your destination.
Don’t forget to change your address with USPS.com if you’re in the US. They often include a packet of moving discounts and coupons for services you’ll actually need in your new area – everything from utility connections to local restaurants.
For our Canadian friends, there’s potential good news at tax time. Moving expenses can sometimes be deductible if you’re relocating for work or full-time study and moving at least 40 kilometers from your old home. Check out the Canada Revenue Agency guidelines to see what qualifies. In the US, military families moving under permanent change of station orders may also have deduction opportunities.
These final touches might seem minor, but when you’re already working hard to save money moving, every dollar counts. Smart timing and attention to these details can easily put an extra $100-300 back in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saving Money on a Move
Moving can bring up a lot of questions, especially when you’re trying to keep your budget in check. We hear them all the time! So, let’s dive into some of the most common questions we get about how to save money moving.
What is the absolute cheapest way to move?
Alright, let’s get straight to it: what’s the absolute bare-bones cheapest way to move? In most cases, it’s a full DIY move. This means you’re doing everything yourself. Think renting the truck (or borrowing a pal’s), tackling all the packing, then hauling, loading, and unloading every single box and piece of furniture. You’ll likely rope in some amazing friends and family for “free” labor (remember the pizza and drinks budget!). By doing it all yourself, you completely skip those professional moving fees.
However, and this is a big ‘however,’ it’s super important to think about the trade-offs. A DIY move demands immense physical effort. We’re talking strained backs, tired muscles, and a whole lot of sweat! Plus, there’s the stress of coordinating every little detail and the increased risk of accidentally damaging your cherished belongings – or even yourself. For many, especially with bigger homes or longer distances, the sheer mental and physical toll just isn’t worth the monetary savings. It’s a balance, for sure.
How much should I budget for a local move?
So, how much cash should you set aside for a local move? It’s a common question, and honestly, the answer can vary quite a bit. A typical move often lands somewhere in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. But that’s just a general idea. Your actual budget will really depend on a few key things:
First off, how far are you moving? Even a local move can have different mileage costs. Then, consider the amount of stuff you have. More belongings mean you might need a bigger truck or more time for loading, which adds to the cost. Your service choice plays a huge role too – are you going full DIY, opting for a hybrid approach, or hiring full-service movers? Finally, don’t forget about any extra services you might need, like specific packing supplies, insurance, or special handling for big items like pianos.
To get the most accurate number for your move, we always suggest creating a detailed budget. Think about everything: the truck rental, fuel, packing materials, and even that pizza and drink fund for your helpers. Planning it out helps you see exactly where your money is going and how you can best save money moving.
Can I really save money by hiring movers?
This is a fantastic question, and our answer is a resounding ‘Yes, absolutely!’ It might seem a bit backwards – hiring movers to save money moving – but trust us, when you approach it smartly, it can be incredibly cost-effective. The secret lies in what we call the hybrid model.
Here’s how it works: You take care of renting your own moving truck. This gives you control and often saves a lot on the transportation side. Then, you hire labor-only services, like our amazing teams at Undergrads! This means you get professional, strong help for the toughest and most time-consuming parts of your move – the heavy lifting, loading, and unloading. Our crews are experts at getting your belongings safely into and out of the truck, reducing the risk of injury to you and damage to your items. Plus, they work fast, which ultimately saves you money.
This hybrid approach truly is the sweet spot. It’s much safer and way less stressful than trying to do a full DIY move all by yourself. At the same time, it’s significantly more affordable than hiring traditional full-service movers who handle everything. Customers across Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas consistently tell us that this approach gives them the best possible value for their budget. It’s the smartest way to get professional help without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Your Smartest Move Starts Here
Moving can feel like a huge undertaking, but it absolutely doesn’t have to break the bank. As we’ve journeyed through this guide, it’s clear that the path to save money moving is paved with smart choices and a little strategic planning. Every decision you make, from sorting through your belongings to picking your moving day, can lead to a more affordable and less stressful relocation.
Think back to those core strategies we covered: It all starts with planning early to snag those better rates and avoid last-minute rush fees. Then, it’s about purging relentlessly – getting rid of what you don’t need means less to move, and that instantly saves you money. Next, pack smart by doing it yourself and finding those free or low-cost supplies. And finally, choose the right help that balances professional service with budget-friendly costs, like our innovative hybrid moving solution.
Saving money on your move isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about making clever choices.
At Undergrads, we believe everyone deserves an efficient, affordable move. We’re here to empower you to save money moving by connecting you with reliable student movers. They get the job done efficiently, carefully handling your belongings, all while their work directly supports their education. It’s a win-win for your budget and their future!
Ready to make your smartest move yet and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket? [Get a free quote and see how much you can save on your move](https://undergrads.com/) with us today!
